India China agree on Early Resolution of Lac Issue
Written By: Nidhi Yadav
After a month-long freeze on (Line of Actual Control Lac) disengagement talks, Indian and Chinese diplomats decided to reconvene talks between border commanders as soon as earliest. The decision was made at the 23rd meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India- China Border Affairs (WMCC). It was initiated by Foreign Ministers on both sides and compromised diplomatic, border security and military officials.
The higher intervention can show the way to resolving the 18 months ago border crisis. India and China are determined and focused on their stance on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as in Eastern Ladakh. The increased military activities on both sides of the boundary, infrastructure Development, Surveillance and Combat maneuvers in the sensitive sector after four weeks of military talks resulted in no results.
The Indian Army’s Activities in the sector are in response to the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) actions and countermeasures have been taken to stay ready for any possibilities to happen. Despite two rounds of disengagement at friction points on the LAC this year. The two armies still have 50,000 to 60,000 troops each and advanced weaponry deployed in Ladakh. PLA has also intensified patrolling in sensitive areas across LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
After the 13th round of military-level talks, it is clear that finding a common decision is difficult as the positions on both sides have hardened for both India and China. Former Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd.) said-
“Any Breakthrough in the deadlock will now have to come at the political and diplomatic level. However, it is uncertain whether there is a desire in either country to undertake such initiatives at this stage.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both sides agreed, in accordance with the understanding reached by the foreign ministers S.Jaishankar and Wang Yi in Dushabe in September; to “continue their efforts to further deescalate the border situation, “and would “ strive to shift from urgent dispute settlement to regular management and control at an early date.”
Beijing said both sides also agreed ‘to consolidate also agreed’ to consolidate existing achievements of disengagement,” and abide by bilateral agreements to ‘avoid recurrence’ of incidents.
Finally, the PLA did not agree to suggestions made by the Indian Army at the 13th round of talks held on Oct 10. The Indian Army said it made constructive suggestions for resolving the remaining areas but the Chinese side was not agreeable and could not provide any forward-looking proposals. While China accused India of unreasonable and unrealistic demands in an unusually aggressive statement. It also carried out tank drills across LAC after the Oct 10 talks hit an impasse and the Indian Army launched an airborne exercise in Eastern Ladakh.
PLA has taken a staunch line on LAC and India is taking countermeasures to defend its interests, said former Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General BS (Jaswal) retd.
“We want to retain a position of strength to thwart designs of the adversary,” Jaiswal said.
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